Comfy mom shoes that don’t look like mom shoes? Answers from a stylist.

Q: I need some new ideas for cool comfy mom shoes so I’m not in my gym sneakers every day this summer but still can run around all day. Help! -Erin L There are so many great options for busy moms these days. Your instinct is right: keep your gym…

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Q: I need some new ideas for cool comfy mom shoes so I’m not in my gym sneakers every day this summer but still can run around all day. Help!
-Erin L

There are so many great options for busy moms these days. Your instinct is right: keep your gym sneakers in the gym and try one of these 15 cool options instead.


Espadrilles

This old classic feels so right now.
The rubber sole is a must in their homeland of Spain where cobblestones abound. At J Crew you’ll find the affordable Soludos Espadrilles flats in red and white striped canvas (shown at top), blue chambray and more. ($36)

Glitter espadrilles are more glam but have the same sturdy rubber and jute sole. ($118) And I really love this snake print espadrille, also at J Crew. (on sale for $79.99)

Clog Sandals

Some clogs can be frumpy, but these Loeffler Randall Ankle Wrap Clogs
are anything but. They have the comfort of a clog combined with the
look of a sandal. With this fabulous hit of color you don’t even need
to accessorize above the ankle. ($235)

Ballerina Flats

If you’re a fan of flats, go for an unexpected twist like a fun print or
interesting fabric on a ballerina shoe so they add more pop to even a
basic outfit. These Corso Como ballerina flats come in around 20 fabrics and colors. (on sale for $47.99 at Zappos)

I also like these open toed ballet flats from Blowfish shoes which comes in two cute floral patterns and the price is terrific. Wear them with flowy skirts or cuffed jeans. ($39 at Zappos)

Flip-Flops

If you’re a fan of easy on/easy off shoes, these Yosi Samra Flip Flops look terrific in three different snakeskin prints. ($66 at Piperlime)

TKEES flipflops are a big hit with Cool Mom Picks, and now they’re amazing in bright neon like these TKEES Zincs in yellow. ($48 at Shop Bop)

Gladiator Sandals

Yes, they’re still in and they look great in tan leather (or 4 other colors) by DV by Dolce Vita ($69 at Zappos)

I also really like these Steve Madden Sandals
which will be so comfortable and cute whether you’re running errands,
wrangling kids, or running out to Sunday brunch. ($79.95 at I Found A
Secret, PLUS a 10% discount with code SMSTYLIST at checkout!)

DV also makes these fantastic Archer Sandals
which are like a stripped-down gladiator in a fun snakeskin print. The
ankle strap offers more support than your standard flip-flop. ($69 at
Piperlime)

Sneakers

If you want to stay stylish, stay away from fat lace-up running shoes and instead opt for a comfy slip-on like these Bensimon Tennis Flats which comes in several colors. ($58 at Shop Bop)

Finally, if you’re not above a sneaker splurge, these Phillip Lim sneakers
are like a Teva, only better! In all black with a white sole, or with a
bright red strap that’s not shy at all. (On sale for $259 at Barneys NY
down from $425. Wow.)
ED NOTE: We tried them and unfortunately…they look cute but not as comfy as the other choices on this page.

Contributor Stacey Mayesh
is a successful editorial and celebrity stylist and personal shopper
whose work has be seen in Vogue, Marie Claire and InStyle. If you have
fashion questions for her, email us at [email protected] with ASK A
STYLIST in the subject. If you want to hire her for personal shopping or
styling help you can do that too!


One response to “Comfy mom shoes that don’t look like mom shoes? Answers from a stylist.”

  1. This post is from awhile back but I just followed the link here from Liz’s blog, and I had to say: You missed one!

    These are super popular in the outdoorsy town where I live: Jambu’s Mary-Jane-type sandals: https://jambu.com/2012/Spring/Products/Vegan/index.htm

    They’re sandals but fit like running shoes. I love ’em. Perfect for chasing down a wayward child at the park!

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